How do you get 5.1 surround sound through cable?

Question

I have a 5.1 system and cable that supports HD. There is a converter box, but it only supports the basic HD channels (which are the network channels). Is there a way to get true 5.1 digital surround sound, as opposed to Dolby Pro Logic?

Answer 1

Yes there is, IF your cable box supports digital sound. Many cable companies charge extra for the better box that supports these formats. You also need to establish a digital connection between the box and your home theater. You have three choices. Coax, fiber optic, or hdmi connections.

There is no preference among these three. Digital either works or it doesn't. There are no quality differences between the three (yes I have proved it to myself). A $5 coax will work just as well as a $25 fiber optic cable, or a $50 hdmi cable.

I should note that coax or fiber do not support high definition sound, but neither does cable. The only way to get hi-def sound is with a blu-ray player and an hdmi cable.